What was your motivation for writing a book on Motivational Interviewing With African Americans?
My motivation came from years of watching clinicians try to use Motivational Interviewing in ways that did not align with the cultural realities of the clients they served. MI has deep value, but the way it was originally taught often overlooked the lived experiences, language, and historical trauma of African American communities. I wanted to create a resource that acknowledged these realities while remaining true to the clinical core of MI. This book is about making space for what has always been present in our communities.What are you hoping readers get from reading the book?
I hope readers walk away with a deeper understanding of how MI can be practiced in culturally responsive ways. I want them to feel more confident and more connected. Whether you are new to the field or deeply experienced, this book invites you to reflect, to listen differently, and to build trust with intention and care.How can Motivational Interviewing be utilized for counselors who work with African Americans with substance use disorders, who are often court-mandated to treatment?
It starts with building trust. Many African Americans enter mandated treatment carrying a long history of being misunderstood or overlooked. MI gives us a way to break that cycle when it is practiced with humility, presence, and real connection. Counselors can use MI as a way to meet clients with respect, to honor their ambivalence, and to offer a path toward change that feels authentic and collaborative rather than forced or imposed. We must be present in a way that affirms their value and voice.